15 Things You've Never Known About Repair Patio Door
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Patio Door Locks
Keep your patio doors in a good working condition to protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause damage or misalignment to the patio doors as well as their locks.
If your patio door lock doesn't work properly it is possible to make basic repairs at home. These steps will fix problems with the handle, keyway and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are frequently targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and the convenient position within a home. Having well-functioning locks is therefore important to ensure your home is secure. There are simple solutions to fix patio door locks that have stopped functioning.
The first step is to check the lock to see if anything hinders it from latching or locking. You must take care to address any issues you discover, such as loose screws or corrosion. In some instances an adjustment of just a few inches to the direction of the patio door might suffice to resolve the problem.
Another common issue is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to not function properly. To avoid this happening, make sure to clean your patio door regularly and clean the lock hardware. If needed, you can use mild soap. However, you must be sure that you dry the lock completely afterwards.
It is also a good idea to that you regularly lubricate your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck as with any mechanical device. A graphite pencil, or a tiny amount of lubricant can be used to remove any dirt or debris from the lock cylinder. This will help keep it functioning smoothly.
It is important to be aware of the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This will help you find an appropriate lock that is compatible with your existing mechanism. If you're unsure of how to proceed, contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson to get help.
Clean the Lock
Over time, hot and cold weather dust and dirt can cause the intricate components of your door lock to become jammed. These issues can compromise your home security. But it's simple to fix these problems if you know how.
Clean your lock before attempting any repairs. Using a damp cloth, remove any debris or stains that might hinder your lock from functioning properly. Then use a bit of hot soapy water to clean the mechanism of the lock and get rid of any grime or grit that has built up over time. After you've cleaned your locks, allow them to dry completely before using them again.
Most patio doors are secured using a mortise locking system. This is a secure lock but can develop problems in time. If your uPVC lock has become stuck the first step is to clean and lubricate it. Start by cleaning the latch using hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in place. After you have the latch plate as well as handle removed, you'll be able to take the latch out of its slot in the door frame.
Once the latch is detached and the latch is lubricated, you can apply lubrication to the lock using an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't have WD40, you can also try using a graphite pencil to dislodge any grit or dirt in the mechanism. If your uPVC lock isn't working, you might need to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. However, you can practice moving the cylinder around without removing it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, then making pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws keep the cylinder in place.
Lubricate the Lock
Once your lock is clean and free of dirt and debris it's time to lubricate both the lock and the keyhole themselves. Using the right kind of lubricant helps keep your lock in top condition, and extends its life.
Dry graphite is a fantastic way to lubricate small metal parts, such as locks. It's non-sticky and oily. It is also more durable than liquids. It's easy to use and can be utilized on sliding doors tracks for garage doors and door hinges. Master locksmith Shawn Fago recommends using a pencil-type graphite lubricant that is specifically designed for lock cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants resist water and will not attract as much dust or dirt as other types of liquid lubricants. They work well in high and low temperatures. Certain silicone lubricants build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon Lubricants are an excellent substitute for silicone lubricants, as they are long-lasting and don't attract dirt or dust. They're also excellent for cold environments, as they prevent the build-up of ice inside the lock.
If your lock cylinder is extremely stiff and difficult to turn, it's likely damaged and will need to be replaced. A professional locksmith will remove the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches your existing keys. They can also repair and modify existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder if your door isn't equipped with one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install new faceplates for your lock on your patio door that match the rest of the door.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning the lock with lubricant and lubricating it don't work, the issue could be that the door's latch isn't aligned with the side jamb or frame of the door. To test this open the sliding patio door, and look upwards and downwards from the door's opening to see if the door is parallel to the frame or jamb. If not, loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it up or down until the latch catches the latch tightly when the door is closed.
Sometimes the latch isn't closing properly due to a worn-out or damaged cylinder. A worn cylinder makes it hard to turn the key, and you'll need a replacement. It is important to choose the new cylinder that's similar in size to the old one and has the same style keyway, so you can easily replace it by simply screwing the two parts of the lock apart and inserting the new cylinder.
You can find replacement cylinders at a variety of home improvement stores. You'll need the manufacturer and model number of your current cylinder to purchase an alternative. If you aren't sure of the model or manufacturer, take a photo of the cylinder along with its mounting screws. Then go to the local hardware store for help.
Once you have the new cylinder in place remove it from the flat screw holding it in place. Remove Repair My Windows And Doors . Remove the lock cylinder, the escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Set the screw in a secure place to ensure that you don't lose or damage it. Then, loosen enough the set screw that is located on the cylinder keep (the metal piece that fits into the rectangular hole of the door).
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock that isn't functioning properly could pose an extremely risk to security. It's not common for dirt and other debris to get stuck inside the lock mechanisms however if the issue isn't addressed promptly the lock could eventually fail and no longer provide security. It's a straightforward DIY project to change the patio door lock. It's all you need are just a few tools and a bit of time.
Start by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication do not aid, the latch may be bent too much to perform as it should. If this is the case, you should replace the latch with mortise locking systems to ensure it's as secure and strong as it can be.
If you're not comfortable with this DIY project on your own seek out an expert locksmith or door hardware expert to assist you in the installation of a new lock. They'll have the expertise and tools to complete the job properly and ensure that the new lock will work with your patio door.
Regular maintenance is the key to keep your patio door lock working correctly. Make sure the knobs and handles are not loose and tighten them if needed. Lubricate the lock at least once per year to keep it from squeezing or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to heavy use or extreme temperatures should be lubricated regularly. It is essential to select a lubricant which has been specifically created for locks (WD-40's Specialist Dry PTFE Anti Friction or GT85). Apply the lubricant to keyhole of the lock mechanism for the best results.